Pride Month 2010

Half the year has slipped by already. The selection of Tyler McCormick , IML 2010 has raised many questions, comments, and downright nasty conversation.  Mr McCormick is a little over two months into his title year and hopefully is  doing the best to his ability of representing the leather community and turning a deaf ear to the negative comments. I am sure he realized when entering the contest in Chicago and the possibility of winning the title, gums would flap.

Folsom Street East attendee

It is now time to move on and find something new to bitch and moan about. June was pride month in many regions of the United States. Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago, New York, Boston, Washington, DC and Baltimore to name just a few. Sadly After 40 years of planning parades, several of the parades in major cities, still operate on “gay time” which is generally one to two plus hours after printed scheduled time.

The DC pride parade was so late until the parade ended in darkness and spectators were unable to see participants on some floats and in cars. In NYC parade participants stood in broiling, oppressive heat, and humid conditions for several hours before the parade even moved down 5th Ave. Even with glitches, hundreds of thousands lined the route and enjoyed every minute.

In NYC the week prior to the Pride parade, the hugely successful Leather Pride Night Auction raised thousands for deserving charities. Sunday followed with the extremely popular Folsom Street East fair. Over the years the attendance of leathermen and women has quadrupled, and has become one of the events to not miss during pride week celebration.

Stage entertainment was varied. Leatherman entertainer recording artist Brian Kent wooed the crowd with his latest Billboard hit release. Leather titleholders past and present made a strong showing at Folsom Street East.

On the east coast , people go to the shore, on the west coast they go to the beach. With the temperatures hovering in the high 90′s , the leather community is dashing to P Town, Asbury Park, NJ, Fire Island, the Hamptons, Rehoboth Beach, DE and Ogunquit, ME to beat the heat. Although several leather events are going on, during the warm days of summer.

American Brotherhood Weekend was  held in Chicago July 16 -18  at the LA&M. There was one contestant for leatherboy, two for leatherman and no contestants for leather woman. How sad to see a once top notch national event turn into a bumbling mess. Those who are in charge really need to get their act together if they plan on continuing this event. According to the most recent press release, ABW will schedule the 2011 weekend for Columbus Day weekend October 2011. American Leatherman 2010 title went to Louie Pacheco, of Los Angeles. American Leather boy title was presented to Bryan Teague of San Diego. American Leather woman 2009 Dakota, did agree to fill in for the title year 2010.

Salesman at NY Eagle Leather booth

Finger pointing  at who was to blame  is now past. Lets hope that those who have agreed to volunteer and assist with next years event keep their word. 

Mr. Mid West Rubber contest was also  held in Chicago  July 16 – 18  at Touche.  No reports on who was the winner of that contest

Mr & Ms. International Deaf Leather, July 24 – 25  In LasVegas, NV. Another contest with a lack of contestants. Terry Morrell, will retain the title for another year. Val Sherrill was selected Intl Ms Deaf Leather for 2010

Intl Leather Sir/boy  July23 – 26, San Francisco, at the Whitcomb Hotel…The only contest this summer that actually had contestants for all three titles (imagine that) International Leather Sir 2010 is Hugh Russell, International Leather boy title went to boy Ian, and Intl Commuity Bootblack  is Redwarrior.

Dore Alley Fair, July 25   San Francisco was a smashing success as always and a good time was had by all in attendance.

On the east coast preparations are under way for the Mr. Double L Leather contest September 17-19 in Rehoboth Beach, DE. In the big Apple (NYC)  the NY Eagle is preparing for their big 40th Anniversary, and the selection of Mr. Eagle NYC 2011. This will be a big blowout weekend October 1-3, 2010. Cash and prizes valued at $3,000.00.

September is a favorite month. Summer has basically ended. However there are three major events not to be missed. Two of the events fall on the same weekend. Labor Day weekend gives us Southeren Decadence. The party in the Big Easy is a nonstop 24 hour extravaganza. Bars in New Orleans have no doors, so what does that tell you? Southern Decadence, September 1 – 6. www.southerndecadence.net

The same Labor Day weekend, the Centaur MC of Washington DC presents Olympia  XXI. An outdoor run, in the hills of Pennsylvania. Food, parties, athletic events, playrooms, swimming pools, leather store, and fun contests  and awards.  It is a weekend that should not be missed. You must attend Olympia at least twice if not more.  This is a every other year event. For additional information. olympia.centaurmc.org

Last but not least September brings the infamous and mysterious Hellfire Inferno run.. Sponsored by the Hellfire Club of Chicago. Heavy BD/SM and all the fantasies you wanted to experience become a reality at Hellfire Inferno…This is by invitation only from a sponsoring member. For more information, inferno.info@hellfire13.net

DC Leather Pride Guys

So if Leather is your thing in the middle of  summer or early fall and you can handle the heat, you will have a great time.

DJ at DC Leather Pride

DISH CENTRAL

Imagine holding a fundraiser for legal assistance for a bar not even in your own city. Such was the case for the Atlanta Eagle when their bar was raided last year. The New York Eagle raised a hefty sum to assist them. Sent them a check and note. To this day not one word of thanks from anyone connected with that bar. Hey Atlanta Eagle was a 43 cent stamp and a thank you card not in your budget?

IN THE DON’T GIVE A DAMN ABOUT YOUR PET DEPARTMENT:  Those same uncaring people who insist on bringing their pets to parades and street fairs when temperatures are soaring. No water no shade and no concern for mans best friend. HARUMPF!!